Startup Genome launched the first cohort of the Global Hypergrowth Tokyo late-stage scaling program in March 2024 in partnership with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. The initiative aims to propel the best Tokyo tech companies into successful global commercialization and expansion into international target markets.

The program addresses a significant support gap for fast-growing startups, recognizing them as drivers of economic growth and competitiveness, and creators of sustainable jobs and societal wellbeing. In its inaugural cohort, Hypergrowth provides 21 companies from Tokyo with access to global mentors, expert scaling advice from leading executives, go-to market support, and connections to potential new customers and investors.

The companies selected represent a variety of sub-sectors, including Deep Tech, Life Sciences, and AI, and have raised close to $100 million in total funding as they look to expand overseas.

In this article series, Startup Genome introduces the cohort companies, exploring the groundbreaking technologies each startup is developing to make a positive impact on the world.

Introducing Wave Control Technology Startup Pixie Dust Technologies

Tokyo-based Pixie Dust Technologies’ revolutionary wave control technology manipulates sound waves in its array of products including scalp care devices, sound source separation microphones, television speakers, and acoustic panels.

Its portfolio includes ultrasonic scalp care device SonoRepro, a handheld product that stimulates scalp skin through airborne ultrasound technology. Resembling a small portable hair dryer, it causes tissues to respond to the ultrasound pulse.

iwasemi™ is an advanced acoustic solution using proprietary metamaterial-based sound control technology. Designed to reduce reverberation, it enhances speech intelligibility in offices and meeting rooms. With a sleek design and easy installation, it improves both aesthetics and functionality. Made from sustainable materials — 100% bioengineered plastic for RC-α and 60% recycled resin for SQ-α — it supports eco-friendly spaces. Ideal for hybrid meetings, it ensures clearer communication for all participants. Trusted by major corporations and government institutions in Japan, iwasemi™ has been adopted by TOYOTA Connected Corporation and Panasonic Entertainment & Communication Co., Ltd.

Pixie Dust Technologies’ Vuevo product is a service designed to facilitate better communication for those with hearing impairments. The service visualizes conversations in real time by capturing spoken words using microphones, separating them by direction, and converting them to text that is displayed on a screen. Its kikippa speaker enhances the audio experience for television viewers by using gamma wave technology to produce sound that stimulates auditory perception.

With its impressive portfolio and groundbreaking wave control technology, Pixie Dust Technologies is a leader in research and development.